I'm driving from California to Canada soon.
I almost never use my AC here in Southern California because I live near the beach.

I will be using it on this trip.

Does it use the same amount of gas regardless of what temp the thermostat is set to?
I was hoping I could use the AC, but set the temp high (like to 80) to save gas.

Or worse, would setting the temp high actually use MORE gas since it may turn the heater on while the AC is on too.

Need fewer troops to support.
Drive a hybrid.
Best tank 71.65 MPG.

Before this car I spent two years learning hypermiling on my 2004 HCH1.

Hi Kenny,

I tend to start the temp at 86F on AUTO, then drop it a couple of degrees every few miles as needed until I am comfortable - usually no lower than 80F. The recirc mode is usually on.

This seems to only hurt my FE by 5mpg or less, while running CC at 55 or 60mph.

Enjoy your trip - wish you had an Aptera to review for us.

I believe the AC is multi-speed, allowing more or less power consumption depending on cooling needs. Make sure the ECO mode is on (switch near gas door switch, indicator in AC control display) to minimize the use of maximum AC cooling. Even in Phoenix above 100 degrees, I have no problem with how quickly the AC cools the car with ECO turned on. Note that using the defroster or setting the temp to MIN will force off the ECO mode, and you must manually turn it back on after the defrost or MIN cooling is no longer needed (and I have NEVER needed MIN cooling!).

-- Alan

Looks like the OP has an HCH, so Alan's suggestions may not apply as they are based on the TCH.

(It's actually an '09!)

Correct, OP is in a HCHII (2006 is a II, correct?)
I believe they have a traditional belt driven A/C compressor.

David Joyce
Intrus Technologies
My TCH Lighting Upgrade
My 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid